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Verma H, Kaur S, Kaur S, Gangwar P, Dhiman M, Mantha AK. Role of Cytoskeletal Elements in Regulation of Synaptic Functions: Implications Toward Alzheimer's Disease and Phytochemicals-Based Interventions. Mol Neurobiol 2024; 61:8320-8343. [PMID: 38491338 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-024-04053-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2023] [Accepted: 02/13/2024] [Indexed: 03/18/2024]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD), a multifactorial disease, is characterized by the accumulation of neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs) and amyloid beta (Aβ) plaques. AD is triggered via several factors like alteration in cytoskeletal proteins, a mutation in presenilin 1 (PSEN1), presenilin 2 (PSEN2), amyloid precursor protein (APP), and post-translational modifications (PTMs) in the cytoskeletal elements. Owing to the major structural and functional role of cytoskeletal elements, like the organization of axon initial segmentation, dendritic spines, synaptic regulation, and delivery of cargo at the synapse; modulation of these elements plays an important role in AD pathogenesis; like Tau is a microtubule-associated protein that stabilizes the microtubules, and it also causes inhibition of nucleo-cytoplasmic transportation by disrupting the integrity of nuclear pore complex. One of the major cytoskeletal elements, actin and its dynamics, regulate the dendritic spine structure and functions; impairments have been documented towards learning and memory defects. The second major constituent of these cytoskeletal elements, microtubules, are necessary for the delivery of the cargo, like ion channels and receptors at the synaptic membranes, whereas actin-binding protein, i.e., Cofilin's activation form rod-like structures, is involved in the formation of paired helical filaments (PHFs) observed in AD. Also, the glial cells rely on their cytoskeleton to maintain synaptic functionality. Thus, making cytoskeletal elements and their regulation in synaptic structure and function as an important aspect to be focused for better management and targeting AD pathology. This review advocates exploring phytochemicals and Ayurvedic plant extracts against AD by elucidating their neuroprotective mechanisms involving cytoskeletal modulation and enhancing synaptic plasticity. However, challenges include their limited bioavailability due to the poor solubility and the limited potential to cross the blood-brain barrier (BBB), emphasizing the need for targeted strategies to improve therapeutic efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harkomal Verma
- Department of Zoology, School of Basic Sciences, Central University of Punjab, Village Ghudda, VPO - Ghudda, Bathinda, 151 401, Punjab, India
| | - Sharanjot Kaur
- Department of Microbiology, School of Basic Sciences, Central University of Punjab, Village Ghudda, Bathinda, Punjab, India
| | - Sukhchain Kaur
- Department of Microbiology, School of Basic Sciences, Central University of Punjab, Village Ghudda, Bathinda, Punjab, India
| | - Prabhakar Gangwar
- Department of Zoology, School of Basic Sciences, Central University of Punjab, Village Ghudda, VPO - Ghudda, Bathinda, 151 401, Punjab, India
| | - Monisha Dhiman
- Department of Microbiology, School of Basic Sciences, Central University of Punjab, Village Ghudda, Bathinda, Punjab, India
| | - Anil Kumar Mantha
- Department of Zoology, School of Basic Sciences, Central University of Punjab, Village Ghudda, VPO - Ghudda, Bathinda, 151 401, Punjab, India.
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Eid AM, Issa L, Arar K, Abu-Zant A, Makhloof M, Masarweh Y. Phytochemical screening, antioxidant, anti-diabetic, and anti-obesity activities, formulation, and characterization of a self-nanoemulsion system loaded with pomegranate (Punica granatum) seed oil. Sci Rep 2024; 14:18841. [PMID: 39138188 PMCID: PMC11322287 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-68476-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2024] [Accepted: 07/24/2024] [Indexed: 08/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Pomegranate (Punica granatum) is a tree of the Punicaceae family that is widespread all over the world and has several types and therapeutic uses. The current study aimed to investigate the phytochemical compounds by GC analysis and carried out physical characterization of the pomegranate seed oil and its self-nanoemulsifying system. Then antioxidant, anti-diabetic, and anti-lipase activities were investigated for both.The pomegranate seed oil was extracted, and its self-nanoemulsifying system was then prepared. Phytochemical compounds were analyzed by GC, and physical characterization was established of the pomegranate seed oil and its self-nanoemulsifying system. Then antioxidant, anti-diabetic, and anti-lipase activities were investigated for both.The GC-MS analysis revealed that punicic acid, β-eleosteric acid, catalpic acid, α-eleosteric acid, and oleic acid were the most predominant compounds in pomegranate seed oil. Other active compounds like linoleic acid, palmitic acid, stearic acid, and α-linolenic acid were detected in trace percentages. The self-nanoemulsifying system was prepared using various concentrations of surfactant (Tween 80), co-surfactant (Span 80), and pomegranate seed oil. The selected formulation had a PDI of 0.229 ± 0.09 and a droplet size of 189.44 ± 2.1 nm. The free radical scavenging activity of pomegranate seed oil, the self-emulsifying system, and Trolox was conducted using DPPH. The oil-self-nanoemulsifying system showed potent antioxidant activity compared to Trolox. Also, pomegranate oil inhibited α-amylase with a weak IC50 value of 354.81 ± 2.3 µg/ml. The oil self-nanoemulsifying system showed potent activity compared to acarbose and had a weaker IC50 value (616.59 ± 2.1 µg/ml) and a potent IC50 value (43.65 ± 1.9 µg/ml) compared to orlistat.Pomegranate seed oil self-nanoemulsifying system could be applied in the future for the preparation of possible oral medications for the prevention and treatment of oxidative stress, diabetes, and obesity due to its high activity against free radical, amylase, and lipase enzymes compared to pomegranate seed oil itself and the references used. This study reveals that self-nanoemulsion systems can enhance oil drug formulations by improving pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics, acting as drug reservoirs, and facilitating efficient oil release.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmad M Eid
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, An-Najah National University, P.O. Box 7, Nablus, Palestine.
| | - Linda Issa
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, An-Najah National University, P.O. Box 7, Nablus, Palestine
| | - Khalid Arar
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, An-Najah National University, P.O. Box 7, Nablus, Palestine
| | - Ahmad Abu-Zant
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, An-Najah National University, P.O. Box 7, Nablus, Palestine
| | - Mohammad Makhloof
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, An-Najah National University, P.O. Box 7, Nablus, Palestine
| | - Yazan Masarweh
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, An-Najah National University, P.O. Box 7, Nablus, Palestine
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Courric E, Brinvilier D, Couderc P, Ponce-Mora A, Méril-Mamert V, Sylvestre M, Pelage JH, Vaillant J, Rousteau A, Bejarano E, Cebrian-Torrejon G. Medicinal Plants and Plant-Based Remedies in Grande-Terre: An Ethnopharmacological Approach. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 12:654. [PMID: 36771738 PMCID: PMC9919082 DOI: 10.3390/plants12030654] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2022] [Revised: 01/24/2023] [Accepted: 01/27/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
The island of Grande-Terre is a French overseas region that belongs to the Guadeloupean archipelago, a biodiversity hotspot with unique flora. Herbal medicine is widely used in the island for therapeutical purposes; however, there is a significant knowledge gap in the records relating to medicinal plants and their associated uses. Ethnobotanical survey methodology using quantitative parameters (informant consensus factor, species use value, relative frequency of citation, frequency use of a treatment and plant for an ailment) provided insights into the traditional medicinal use of a given plant. Ninety-six different plant species distributed among 56 families were identified and 523 remedies were documented in the survey. After data filtering, 22 plants species were associated with 182 remedies. The most frequent plant families were Poaceae, Myrtaceae, Cucurbitaceae and Rubiaceae. Aerial parts of these plants were the most common parts of the plant used for the remedies and the most frequent mode of administration was oral ingestion. This study highlights a valuable traditional knowledge of folklore medicine and helps to document and preserve the association of a plant with-and its use frequency for-a given ailment. These findings might be the starting point for the identification of biologically active phytocompounds to fight common health debilities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisa Courric
- COVACHIM-M2E Laboratory EA 3592, Department of Chemistry, University of the French West Indies, Fouillole Campus, UFR SEN, CEDEX, 97157 Pointe-à-Pitre, France
| | - David Brinvilier
- COVACHIM-M2E Laboratory EA 3592, Department of Chemistry, University of the French West Indies, Fouillole Campus, UFR SEN, CEDEX, 97157 Pointe-à-Pitre, France
| | - Petra Couderc
- COVACHIM-M2E Laboratory EA 3592, Department of Chemistry, University of the French West Indies, Fouillole Campus, UFR SEN, CEDEX, 97157 Pointe-à-Pitre, France
| | - Alejandro Ponce-Mora
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Health Sciences and Veterinary, Universidad Cardenal Herrera-CEU, CEU Universities, 46113 Moncada, Spain
| | - Vanessa Méril-Mamert
- COVACHIM-M2E Laboratory EA 3592, Department of Chemistry, University of the French West Indies, Fouillole Campus, UFR SEN, CEDEX, 97157 Pointe-à-Pitre, France
| | - Muriel Sylvestre
- COVACHIM-M2E Laboratory EA 3592, Department of Chemistry, University of the French West Indies, Fouillole Campus, UFR SEN, CEDEX, 97157 Pointe-à-Pitre, France
| | - Jeannie Hélène Pelage
- Départament de Medicine Générale, Faculté Hyacinthe Bastaraud, University of the French West Indies, Fouillole Campus, 97157 Pointe-à-Pitre, France
| | - Jean Vaillant
- LAMIA, EA 4540, Department of Chemistry, University of the French West Indies, Fouillole Campus, UFR SEN, CEDEX, 97157 Pointe-à-Pitre, France
| | - Alain Rousteau
- UA, UMR EcoFoG, CNRS, Cirad, INRA, Université des Antilles, Université de Guyane, Université des Antilles, 97159 Pointe-à-Pitre, France
| | - Eloy Bejarano
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Health Sciences and Veterinary, Universidad Cardenal Herrera-CEU, CEU Universities, 46113 Moncada, Spain
| | - Gerardo Cebrian-Torrejon
- COVACHIM-M2E Laboratory EA 3592, Department of Chemistry, University of the French West Indies, Fouillole Campus, UFR SEN, CEDEX, 97157 Pointe-à-Pitre, France
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Zahra W, Birla H, Singh SS, Rathore AS, Dilnashin H, Singh R, Keshri PK, Gautam P, Singh SP. Neuroprotection by Mucuna pruriens in Neurodegenerative Diseases. Neurochem Res 2022; 47:1816-1829. [PMID: 35380400 DOI: 10.1007/s11064-022-03591-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2021] [Revised: 03/22/2022] [Accepted: 03/24/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
The medicinal plant Mucuna pruriens (Fabaceae) is widely known for its anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory properties. It is a well-established drug in Ayurveda and has been widely used for the treatment of neurological disorders and male infertility for ages. The seeds of the plant have potent medicinal value and its extract has been tested in different models of neurodegenerative diseases, especially Parkinson's disease (PD). Apart from PD, Mucuna pruriens is now being studied in models of other nervous systems disorders such as Alzheimer's disease (AD), Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and stroke because of its neuroprotective importance. This review briefly discusses the pathogenesis of PD, AD, ALS and stroke. It aims to summarize the medicinal importance of Mucuna pruriens in treatment of these diseases, and put forward the potential targets where Mucuna pruriens can act for therapeutic interventions. In this review, the effect of Mucuna pruriens on ameliorating the neurodegeneration evident in PD, AD, ALS and stroke is briefly discussed. The potential targets for neuroprotection by the plant are delineated, which can be studied further to validate the hypothesis regarding the use of Mucuna pruriens for the treatment of these diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Walia Zahra
- Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Science, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, 221005, India
| | - Hareram Birla
- Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Science, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, 221005, India
| | - Saumitra Sen Singh
- Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Science, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, 221005, India
| | - Aaina Singh Rathore
- Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Science, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, 221005, India
| | - Hagera Dilnashin
- Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Science, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, 221005, India
| | - Richa Singh
- Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Science, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, 221005, India
| | - Priyanka Kumari Keshri
- Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Science, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, 221005, India
| | - Priyanka Gautam
- Department of Neurology, Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, 221005, India
| | - Surya Pratap Singh
- Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Science, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, 221005, India.
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Dzobo K. The Role of Natural Products as Sources of Therapeutic Agents for Innovative Drug Discovery. COMPREHENSIVE PHARMACOLOGY 2022. [PMCID: PMC8016209 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-12-820472-6.00041-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
Emerging threats to human health require a concerted effort in search of both preventive and treatment strategies, placing natural products at the center of efforts to obtain new therapies and reduce disease spread and associated mortality. The therapeutic value of compounds found in plants has been known for ages, resulting in their utilization in homes and in clinics for the treatment of many ailments ranging from common headache to serious conditions such as wounds. Despite the advancement observed in the world, plant based medicines are still being used to treat many pathological conditions or are used as alternatives to modern medicines. In most cases, these natural products or plant-based medicines are used in an un-purified state as extracts. A lot of research is underway to identify and purify the active compounds responsible for the healing process. Some of the current drugs used in clinics have their origins as natural products or came from plant extracts. In addition, several synthetic analogues are natural product-based or plant-based. With the emergence of novel infectious agents such as the SARS-CoV-2 in addition to already burdensome diseases such as diabetes, cancer, tuberculosis and HIV/AIDS, there is need to come up with new drugs that can cure these conditions. Natural products offer an opportunity to discover new compounds that can be converted into drugs given their chemical structure diversity. Advances in analytical processes make drug discovery a multi-dimensional process involving computational designing and testing and eventual laboratory screening of potential drug candidates. Lead compounds will then be evaluated for safety, pharmacokinetics and efficacy. New technologies including Artificial Intelligence, better organ and tissue models such as organoids allow virtual screening, automation and high-throughput screening to be part of drug discovery. The use of bioinformatics and computation means that drug discovery can be a fast and efficient process and enable the use of natural products structures to obtain novel drugs. The removal of potential bottlenecks resulting in minimal false positive leads in drug development has enabled an efficient system of drug discovery. This review describes the biosynthesis and screening of natural products during drug discovery as well as methods used in studying natural products.
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Umar HI, Saliu TP, Josiah SS, Ajayi A, Danjuma JB. In silico studies of bioactive compounds from selected African plants with inhibitory activity against nitric oxide synthase and arginase implicated in asthma. EGYPTIAN JOURNAL OF MEDICAL HUMAN GENETICS 2021. [DOI: 10.1186/s43042-021-00175-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background
It is a known fact that arginine is a common substrate for arginase and nitric oxide synthase (NOS). However, an imbalance between both enzymes could lead to a change in airway responses. Reports suggest that increased activities of both enzymes could lead to airway hyper-responsiveness. Thus, the requests for NOS inhibitors that can also inhibit arginase as the elevated activities of both enzymes have detrimental consequence on airways in asthma. Bioactive compounds from Azadirachta indica, Crinum glaucum, and Mangifera indica are documented for anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, anti-histaminic, smooth-muscle relaxants, and anti-allergic potentials. However, the mechanisms of action of these bioactive compounds in conferring the aforementioned protections are not well characterized. The objective of this present study is to assess in silico inhibitory potentials of these bioactive compounds against NOS and arginase via binding at their active sites. The crystal structures of NOS and arginase were retrieved from the protein database, while the bioactive compounds were retrieved from PubChem. Drug-likeness of the selected bioactive compounds was assessed using DruLiTo software. The successful compounds were docked with active sites of enzymes using AutoDock Vina docking software, and the docked complexes were analyzed using LigPlot and protein-ligand profiler web server.
Results
The findings of the study revealed that the bioactive compounds from A. indica, C. glaucum, and M. indica were able to interact with the active sites of NOS and arginase with the exception of gallic acid (from M. indica) and nimbandiol (from A. indica); these compounds showed differential binding energies (kcal/mol) and a number of them had higher binding energies than l-arginine when docked with NOS.
Conclusion
Conclusively, the in silico analysis proposes that these compounds could prove to be probable anti-asthmatic drugs.
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Das R, Rauf A, Akhter S, Islam MN, Emran TB, Mitra S, Khan IN, Mubarak MS. Role of Withaferin A and Its Derivatives in the Management of Alzheimer's Disease: Recent Trends and Future Perspectives. Molecules 2021; 26:3696. [PMID: 34204308 PMCID: PMC8234716 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26123696] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2021] [Revised: 06/12/2021] [Accepted: 06/15/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Globally, Alzheimer's disease (AD) is one of the most prevalent age-related neurodegenerative disorders associated with cognitive decline and memory deficits due to beta-amyloid deposition (Aβ) and tau protein hyperphosphorylation. To date, approximately 47 million people worldwide have AD. This figure will rise to an estimated 75.6 million by 2030 and 135.5 million by 2050. According to the literature, the efficacy of conventional medications for AD is statistically substantial, but clinical relevance is restricted to disease slowing rather than reversal. Withaferin A (WA) is a steroidal lactone glycowithanolides, a secondary metabolite with comprehensive biological effects. Biosynthetically, it is derived from Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha) and Acnistus breviflorus (Gallinero) through the mevalonate and non-mevalonate pathways. Mounting evidence shows that WA possesses inhibitory activities against developing a pathological marker of Alzheimer's diseases. Several cellular and animal models' particulates to AD have been conducted to assess the underlying protective effect of WA. In AD, the neuroprotective potential of WA is mediated by reduction of beta-amyloid plaque aggregation, tau protein accumulation, regulation of heat shock proteins, and inhibition of oxidative and inflammatory constituents. Despite the various preclinical studies on WA's therapeutic potentiality, less is known regarding its definite efficacy in humans for AD. Accordingly, the present study focuses on the biosynthesis of WA, the epidemiology and pathophysiology of AD, and finally the therapeutic potential of WA for the treatment and prevention of AD, highlighting the research and augmentation of new therapeutic approaches. Further clinical trials are necessary for evaluating the safety profile and confirming WA's neuroprotective potency against AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rajib Das
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Dhaka, Dhaka 1000, Bangladesh; (R.D.); (S.M.)
| | - Abdur Rauf
- Department of Chemistry, University of Swabi, Anbar 23561, Pakistan;
| | - Saima Akhter
- Department of Pharmacy, International Islamic University Chittagong, Chittagong 4318, Bangladesh;
| | - Mohammad Nazmul Islam
- Department of Pharmacy, International Islamic University Chittagong, Chittagong 4318, Bangladesh;
| | - Talha Bin Emran
- Department of Pharmacy, BGC Trust University Bangladesh, Chittagong 4381, Bangladesh
| | - Saikat Mitra
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Dhaka, Dhaka 1000, Bangladesh; (R.D.); (S.M.)
| | - Ishaq N. Khan
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Khyber Medical University, Peshawar 25100, Pakistan;
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Zulkipli NN, Zakaria R, Long I, Abdullah SF, Muhammad EF, Wahab HA, Sasongko TH. In Silico Analyses and Cytotoxicity Study of Asiaticoside and Asiatic Acid from Malaysian Plant as Potential mTOR Inhibitors. Molecules 2020; 25:molecules25173991. [PMID: 32887218 PMCID: PMC7504803 DOI: 10.3390/molecules25173991] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2020] [Revised: 08/26/2020] [Accepted: 08/31/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Natural products remain a popular alternative treatment for many ailments in various countries. This study aimed to screen for potential mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) inhibitors from Malaysian natural substance, using the Natural Product Discovery database, and to determine the IC50 of the selected mTOR inhibitors against UMB1949 cell line. The crystallographic structure of the molecular target (mTOR) was obtained from Protein Data Bank, with Protein Data Bank (PDB) ID: 4DRI. Everolimus, an mTOR inhibitor, was used as a standard compound for the comparative analysis. Computational docking approach was performed, using AutoDock Vina (screening) and AutoDock 4.2.6 (analysis). Based on our analysis, asiaticoside and its derivative, asiatic acid, both from Centella asiatica, revealed optimum-binding affinities with mTOR that were comparable to our standard compound. The effect of asiaticoside and asiatic acid on mTOR inhibition was validated with UMB1949 cell line, and their IC50 values were 300 and 60 µM, respectively, compared to everolimus (29.5 µM). Interestingly, this is the first study of asiaticoside and asiatic acid against tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) disease model by targeting mTOR. These results, coupled with our in silico findings, should prompt further studies, to clarify the mode of action, safety, and efficacy of these compounds as mTOR inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ninie Nadia Zulkipli
- School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kubang Kerian 16150, Malaysia;
| | - Rahimah Zakaria
- School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kubang Kerian 16150, Malaysia;
- Correspondence: (R.Z.); (H.A.W.); Tel.: +60-9-7676156 (R.Z.)
| | - Idris Long
- School of Health Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kubang Kerian 16150, Malaysia;
| | - Siti Fadilah Abdullah
- School of Dental Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kubang Kerian 16150, Malaysia;
| | - Erma Fatiha Muhammad
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Pulau Pinang 11800, Malaysia;
| | - Habibah A. Wahab
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Pulau Pinang 11800, Malaysia;
- Correspondence: (R.Z.); (H.A.W.); Tel.: +60-9-7676156 (R.Z.)
| | - Teguh Haryo Sasongko
- School of Medicine, Perdana University-RCSI, Jalan MAEPS Perdana, Serdang 43400, Malaysia;
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Achary PGR. Applications of Quantitative Structure-Activity Relationships (QSAR) based Virtual Screening in Drug Design: A Review. Mini Rev Med Chem 2020; 20:1375-1388. [DOI: 10.2174/1389557520666200429102334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2019] [Revised: 11/07/2019] [Accepted: 11/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
The scientists, and the researchers around the globe generate tremendous amount of information
everyday; for instance, so far more than 74 million molecules are registered in Chemical
Abstract Services. According to a recent study, at present we have around 1060 molecules, which are
classified as new drug-like molecules. The library of such molecules is now considered as ‘dark chemical
space’ or ‘dark chemistry.’ Now, in order to explore such hidden molecules scientifically, a good
number of live and updated databases (protein, cell, tissues, structure, drugs, etc.) are available today.
The synchronization of the three different sciences: ‘genomics’, proteomics and ‘in-silico simulation’
will revolutionize the process of drug discovery. The screening of a sizable number of drugs like molecules
is a challenge and it must be treated in an efficient manner. Virtual screening (VS) is an important
computational tool in the drug discovery process; however, experimental verification of the
drugs also equally important for the drug development process. The quantitative structure-activity relationship
(QSAR) analysis is one of the machine learning technique, which is extensively used in VS
techniques. QSAR is well-known for its high and fast throughput screening with a satisfactory hit rate.
The QSAR model building involves (i) chemo-genomics data collection from a database or literature
(ii) Calculation of right descriptors from molecular representation (iii) establishing a relationship
(model) between biological activity and the selected descriptors (iv) application of QSAR model to
predict the biological property for the molecules. All the hits obtained by the VS technique needs to be
experimentally verified. The present mini-review highlights: the web-based machine learning tools, the
role of QSAR in VS techniques, successful applications of QSAR based VS leading to the drug discovery
and advantages and challenges of QSAR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patnala Ganga Raju Achary
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Engineering & Technology (ITER), Siksha ‘O’ Anusandhan, Deemed to be University, Khandagiri Square, Bhubaneswar- 751030, India
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Thomford NE, Senthebane DA, Rowe A, Munro D, Seele P, Maroyi A, Dzobo K. Natural Products for Drug Discovery in the 21st Century: Innovations for Novel Drug Discovery. Int J Mol Sci 2018; 19:E1578. [PMID: 29799486 PMCID: PMC6032166 DOI: 10.3390/ijms19061578] [Citation(s) in RCA: 566] [Impact Index Per Article: 94.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2018] [Revised: 05/16/2018] [Accepted: 05/18/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The therapeutic properties of plants have been recognised since time immemorial. Many pathological conditions have been treated using plant-derived medicines. These medicines are used as concoctions or concentrated plant extracts without isolation of active compounds. Modern medicine however, requires the isolation and purification of one or two active compounds. There are however a lot of global health challenges with diseases such as cancer, degenerative diseases, HIV/AIDS and diabetes, of which modern medicine is struggling to provide cures. Many times the isolation of "active compound" has made the compound ineffective. Drug discovery is a multidimensional problem requiring several parameters of both natural and synthetic compounds such as safety, pharmacokinetics and efficacy to be evaluated during drug candidate selection. The advent of latest technologies that enhance drug design hypotheses such as Artificial Intelligence, the use of 'organ-on chip' and microfluidics technologies, means that automation has become part of drug discovery. This has resulted in increased speed in drug discovery and evaluation of the safety, pharmacokinetics and efficacy of candidate compounds whilst allowing novel ways of drug design and synthesis based on natural compounds. Recent advances in analytical and computational techniques have opened new avenues to process complex natural products and to use their structures to derive new and innovative drugs. Indeed, we are in the era of computational molecular design, as applied to natural products. Predictive computational softwares have contributed to the discovery of molecular targets of natural products and their derivatives. In future the use of quantum computing, computational softwares and databases in modelling molecular interactions and predicting features and parameters needed for drug development, such as pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamics, will result in few false positive leads in drug development. This review discusses plant-based natural product drug discovery and how innovative technologies play a role in next-generation drug discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas Ekow Thomford
- Pharmacogenomics and Drug Metabolism Group, Division of Human Genetics, Department of Pathology and Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Anzio Road, Observatory, Cape Town 7925, South Africa.
- School of Medical Sciences, University of Cape Coast, PMB, Cape Coast, Ghana.
| | - Dimakatso Alice Senthebane
- International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), Cape Town Component, Wernher and Beit Building (South), University of Cape Town Medical Campus, Anzio Road, Observatory, Cape Town 7925, South Africa.
- Division of Medical Biochemistry and Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Anzio Road, Observatory, Cape Town 7925, South Africa.
| | - Arielle Rowe
- International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), Cape Town Component, Wernher and Beit Building (South), University of Cape Town Medical Campus, Anzio Road, Observatory, Cape Town 7925, South Africa.
| | - Daniella Munro
- Pharmacogenomics and Drug Metabolism Group, Division of Human Genetics, Department of Pathology and Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Anzio Road, Observatory, Cape Town 7925, South Africa.
| | - Palesa Seele
- Division of Chemical and Systems Biology, Department of Integrative Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Anzio Road, Observatory, Cape Town 7925, South Africa.
| | - Alfred Maroyi
- Department of Botany, University of Fort Hare, Private Bag, Alice X1314, South Africa.
| | - Kevin Dzobo
- International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), Cape Town Component, Wernher and Beit Building (South), University of Cape Town Medical Campus, Anzio Road, Observatory, Cape Town 7925, South Africa.
- Division of Medical Biochemistry and Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Anzio Road, Observatory, Cape Town 7925, South Africa.
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11
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Song D, Jiang X, Liu Y, Sun Y, Cao S, Zhang Z. Asiaticoside Attenuates Cell Growth Inhibition and Apoptosis Induced by Aβ 1-42 via Inhibiting the TLR4/NF-κB Signaling Pathway in Human Brain Microvascular Endothelial Cells. Front Pharmacol 2018; 9:28. [PMID: 29441018 PMCID: PMC5797575 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2018.00028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2017] [Accepted: 01/10/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a very common progressive neurodegenerative disorder with the highest incidence in the world. Dysfunction of the blood-brain barrier (BBB) may be responsible for the pathogenesis and pathology of AD for abnormally transporting amyloid-β (Aβ, the main component of the senile plaques) from the sera into the central nervous system. Aβ peptides induce apoptosis in human brain microvascular endothelial cells (hBMECs), the main component of BBB. Apoptosis in neuronal cells plays a critical role in the pathogenesis of AD. Asiaticoside, a natural glycoside extracted from Centella asiatica (L.) Urban, has an anti-apoptotic effect on hBMECs but the molecule mechanism remains unclear. Therefore, we investigate the protective effect of asiaticoside on Aβ1-42-induced cytotoxicity and apoptosis as well as associated mechanism in hBMECs with commonly used in vitro methods for clinical development of asiaticoside as a novel anti-AD agent. In the present study, we investigated the effects of asiaticoside on cytotoxicity by Cell Counting Kit-8 assay, mitochondrial membrane potential by JC-1 fluorescence analysis, anti-apoptosis by Hoechst 33258 staining and Annexin V-FITC (fluorescein isothiocyanate) and propidium iodide (PI) analyses, the expressions of TNF-α and IL-6 by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and TLR4, MyD88, TRAF6, p-NF-κB p65, and total NF-κB p65 by Western blotting, and nuclear translocation of NF-κB p65 by immunofluorescence analysis in hBMECs. The results showed that pretreatment of asiaticoside (25, 50, and 100 μM) for 12 h significantly attenuated cell growth inhibition and apoptosis, and restored declined mitochondrial membrane potential induced by Aβ1-42 (50 μM) in hBMECs. Asiaticoside also significantly downregulated the elevated expressions of TNF-α, IL-6, TLR4, MyD88, TRAF6, and p-NF-κB p65, as well as inhibited NF-κB p65 translocation from cytoplasm to nucleus induced by Aβ1-42 in hBMECs in a concentration-dependent manner. The possible underlying molecular mechanism of asiaticoside may be through inhibiting the TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway. Therefore, asiaticoside may be developed as a novel agent for the prevention and/or treatment of AD clinically.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daqiang Song
- Department of Pharmacology, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Xian Jiang
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Yiliu Liu
- Department of Pharmacology, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Yuhong Sun
- Department of Pharmacology, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Shousong Cao
- Department of Pharmacology, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Zhuo Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
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